~ Things I Did Today... ~

Sometimes I feel that I'm just running around in circles...not accomplishing what I NEED to do.  I  tackle things as they come at me...then at the end of the day, I'm exhausted.

When I was working, outside of the house, I used to write out my list of things to do for the day, or month.

Actually, I continued this practice of writing down my 'list' until just about 4 or 5 years ago.  Occasionally, I would would start this practice up again, but it wouldn't be long before it just petered out.

Writing my list kept me, I felt, from wasting time.  I was able to accomplish so much...I could see all my progress as I would check off all the items on my list.  What I didn't finish, I would transfer to the new day.  But it made me feel "in control".  I knew I wasn't missing anything.

Lately, I've been "dropping the ball".  Which is not a good feeling for me. 
Overwhelmed.  That is what I start to feel if things are not getting done...

So I've decided to start a list again, ONLY this time, I'm going to include one for my children...why should I have all the fun!?

One morning, I took out my pad and wrote down all the things I had just accomplished or Things I Did Today!

Morning Prayer
Make my son's lunch
Drop son off at Math tutor
Read a few Blogs & write a few comments
Let dogs out, feed, walk...
Clean up dog area (usually the kids do this job as well as care for all the animals, but I gave them a break)
Sweep up leaves/rose pedals
Pull some weeds
2 loads of laundry
Sweep porch & decks
Water plants
Make oatmeal for girls
Bring in Birthday decorations
Load & start dishwasher
Start school...
ALL BY 8:30AM

For myself, I'd really like to use Marcia's idea to "Jot It Down!"...a practice that will help me when I start to get too busy, pulled in too many directions, or just plain distracted (I do tend to procrastinate).
"This gave me the idea to make a list for my children.  A pre-written check off list of what I want need them to accomplish...EVERY DAY.  Weekend's excluded (or not).

I'm looking at it as a Life Skills lesson.  Something that will help them with organization, and take some of the stress out of my our lives.  I've tried a Chore Board in the past.  Now I'm ready to try something new.  Something that will work for the every changing and growing family...

{pretty, happy, funny, real}, ~ The Master Bedroom Challenge Edition ~

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

 

{pretty}

 

My Our desk, in our bedroom, is *pretty* darn messy!

 

 

...but it is filled with some *pretty* neat things:

I began the challenge this morning at 7:05AM.

I had 3 bags and one pile to tackle.

Also, one VERY dusty (but pretty) lamp shade, books, pictures, treasure box and the desk itself was in need of a good dust.

 

I sorted through the piles/bags and divided them into 3 (more) piles:

1.  Garbage

2.  Memories

3.  File

 

Underneath my mess belongings, I found more treasures!  A *pretty* spoon that I had brought back from our family trip to Victoria, BC., a key (I still don't know what it opens), and *photos of our family trip to Alaska.  (*dangerous, as it slows me down; as I tend to reminisce)

 

I thinned out the book collection I had on my desk and just kept the following:

+ Thomas A. Kempis - The Imitation of Mary

+ Pope Benedict XVI Encyclical Letters:  Spe Salvi & Deus Caritas Est

+ Pope Paul VI Encyclical Letter:  Humanae Vitae

Debbie Lillard - Absolutely Organized (A Mom's Guide to a No-Stress Schedule & Clutter-Free Home)

Simon Tang - Kalwaria

and a couple journals & books on Home School & Virtues

 

{happy}

 

Now this makes me HAPPY.  Vintage things - so full of character and wonder.  I love it with all its marks and worn spots...but my favorite is the intricate little clasp.  I was so intrigued by it as a child...

Inside my treasure box, which was given to me by my mother, are pictures of me and my siblings when we were young...HAPPY memories.

 

my sister and me playing dolls - 1960's

Here is a peek inside and a close-up of the label inside the box.  A true trove of treasures.

 

 {funny}

 

Hidden underneath my pile...was this little gem.  FUNNY, it was still in it's original package - sitting and waiting to be put to use.  Now we will use it for our afternoon teas. 

The picture below is of my parents on a double date with another couple and their chaperone - my 6'3" grandfather - in full view!   LOL.  I LOVE IT!!! 

 

My parents are on the left...then my aunt (my mom's sister) and her date (my uncle).  On the right, looking dashingly handsome, is my grandfather.

Everyone seemed to dress so nicely, back then...men in suits and ties, women so proper and modest...

My parents have been married  54 years and my aunt and uncle, 62 years!

 

 

{real}

 

 

 

This is the *now* picture...but honostly, I don't know how long it will stay this way. In our house, horizontal surfaces are magnetically attractive to *stuff*! 

REALly. :o)

 

Thank you, Ladies over at LM,LD ~

For the very fruitful challenge!

 

 

 

 Addendum:  The *challenge* ended at 8:07AM, approximately one hour; including picture taking time and detailed vacuuming...which woke up my sleepyheads so we could start school.  :o)
 

Go to Like Mother, Like Daughter to find more contentment!